District Explains $60K Cost For Press Box

A new press box is expected to be ready for the fall season at Kings Park High School, though residents are questioning the $60,000 price tag accompanying it.

According to Susan Agruso, district superintendent, the structure can be likened to building two rooms. They will have air conditioning, heating and electricity for cameras and microphones.

“This is a structure, that requires proper permits and state approval. It must be up to code,” said Agruso.

The $60,000 in funds needed for the new structure will come from a grant, referred to as bullet aid, from state Sen. John Flanagan's office. The school received a $25,000 donation earlier this year from a retired teacher, which the district was considering using for the press box. That money, according to Agruso, will now be used towards technology and a computer lab at one of the elementary schools.

According to Agruso, the press box that is there now was condemned and unable to be insured because it was not up to code.

“It must have two forms of egress,” said Agruso. “We were using ladders to access it. The last one was condemned because of that.”

Dan Butler, Director of Athletics, said most, if not all high schools have a press box.

“It will allow us to announce and manage the game, personnel and coaching staff. We will also be able to do filming. Before we had to use scaffolding,” said Butler.  “It is a safer way.”

The box, which will be pre-constructed and outfitted in the school colors, will be able to fit staff for both teams. Butler said the box will be beneficial at pep rallies and graduation. Click here to see an example of a press box and its features.

“It will be things you absolutely need, not extravagant,” said Agruso.

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